Screening of LET ME JUST BE/Можно я просто буду? by Matvey Troshinkin

Zhenya Tsoy is a drag artist who impersonates the grandees of Russian pop. He has a large following and is much in demand. Despite this, life as a drag artist in Russia is challenging. Tsoy is a diva who lives for his art, earning a living at festivals and in night clubs but also giving his time for free helping the marginalised, such as the inmates of psychiatric institutions. This documentary provides a unique insight into the realities of LGBTQ life in today’s Russia. By Director Matvey Troshinkin.

Zhenya lives with his common-law husband Maxim, a bus-driver. Maxim dreams about owning their own house not far from Moscow, away from the stress and homophobia of the capital. Do they have a chance at creating a family nest in a country where being gay is problematic?